I know that on Fridays, most of our thoughts are on the upcoming weekend. But today I’d like to bring your attention to a very serious topic… bullying.
Today is Spirit Day. So if you’re wondering why everyone on Facebook has made their profile pic purple and you keep seeing #spiritday on Twitter, now you know. But what IS Spirit Day?
Spirit Day is an annual day in October when millions of Americans wear purple to speak out against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth.
All of us likely experienced some form of bullying when we were younger. But many years ago that bullying often ended when you got off of the bus and arrived at home. Today, that is no longer the case.
While social media is a wonderful way to easily keep in touch with friends and family, it never “shuts off”. That kid who called a child names on the bus might now post those names online publicly, where others may see and join in on the harassment.
So what can you do to help?
If you are a parent who thinks your child is being bullied online, I can understand that you may not feel comfortable enough with social media to know exactly where to start. Don’t worry. Facebook and Twitter have some excellent resources for you! Check them out below:
TWITTER: SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS
If you see someone being bullied, SAY SOMETHING! We’ve all been there. It hurts. So if you witness bullying online or in person, speak up. You might just save a life.
If you are being bullied, I urge you to stay strong. If you are not already familiar with the privacy settings on social media sites, take some time and get to know them. Additionally, Facebook has some great Q&A that might just be of assistance HERE.
But most importantly, surround yourself with a caring and positive group of friends and family. Speak to them openly about what you are experiencing, how it makes you feel, and what you can do to make it better.
If you don’t feel like you have someone to talk to, The Trevor Project is always there. From the Trevor Space community to the Ask Trevor Q&A, to Trevor Chat, or the Trevor Lifeline, they understand what you’re going through and offer outstanding support.
So whether you are being bullied, or you know or see someone who is, I encourage you to take some time today to stand up and do something about it. It’s important to know that you are NOT alone, and like they say, IT GETS BETTER!
I leave you with one of my favorite quotes.
“Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one”s definition of your life; define yourself.”
-Harvey Fierstein
So do you feel ready to take a stand against bullying? Good!
Leave a comment and share what YOU will do today to make a difference!
Have a great Spirit Day, everyone!
Great article Brian. Thanks for sharing this information. Anti-bullying information is soooo important. You and I are on the same wave-length because we both posted articles today about bullying. I thought this video was really powerful http://eytanart.com/article/former-bullies-join-anti-bullying-movement/
Thanks Susan! It’s so important that people of all ages know the resources that are out there to help.
And I LOVED your blog today! Everyone should click that link and check it out!
Great blog and I think it would be a very good tool to show everyone.
Schools should take a look into the blog too and everyone
Who is a parent or who will be a parent.
Thanks Sheena! Please feel free to share these resources with everyone you know to help raise awareness.
Thanks for posting, Brian! As a parent of an almost teen and tween, social media can be a scary place. It’s good to know that there are safeguards in place for when my kids are old enough to be online. It is also important that kids know to SPEAK UP when they see or experience bullying.
Absolutely! It’s so important for there to be open conversations about bullying whether it is online or “in person”. Like anything else in life, open communication and education are often the best defenses.
Great post! I’ve been working hard on teaching my girls about how much bullying hurts. If their friends use words or actions we talk about it and how all people should be treated as equals. My oldest who is 9 pays close attention to how her friends are treated and is quick to stand up for anyone. She gets upset when some don’t want to talk. I just say…never give up, you could be the only one listening. I’m so proud of my girls for being there for kids!
Thanks for commenting! I love that you have those conversations with your daughters. And how awesome are those girls? When they stand up for others, they may just save a life!
This is great info, Brian! I have a dog trainer friend who developed an anti-bullying program using therapy dogs and I have heard really good things about it.
Thanks Heather! Bullying using therapy dogs? Very interesting! I’d love to learn more!
Great post, Brian! I will definitely pass it along!
Thanks so much, Becca! I appreciate it!
Good for you for raising awareness and also providing tools for counteracting bullying. This is a terrific read.
Thanks Lisa! And thanks for sharing it on Facebook, too!
I loved this blog! I think that too many children, pre-teens and teens have been bullied and are ashamed so they will not come forward to let anyone know about it. This then just allows the bullying to continue.
Blogs like this should be out and available to these kids who may be having a difficult time. Getting the word out is the key and may save some lives! Bullying crushes dreams and lives!
Thank you, Sandy! Good point… many young people who are bullied don’t come forward, so starting these conversations can often be life-saving. Thanks for your comments!
Victim #1 of Sandusky when he finally decided to tell about the abuse……was bullied and railroaded that he must have made this all up. If he hadn’t been so adamant about it….Sandusky could have got away with this for a lot longer!!
Great article Brian. It is so important to bring awareness to this growing problem. We all need to do our part to step up and put an end to bullying!